noun
tiffin
TIHF-ihn
Tiffin (noun) means a light midday meal, especially as the term is used in South Asia and parts of the former British Empire. Example: “They packed a tiffin of rice and curry for the train journey.”
noun
1
A light midday meal, especially as the term is used in South Asia and parts of the former British Empire.
"They packed a tiffin of rice and curry for the train journey."
"He carries his tiffin to the office every day in a stainless-steel box."
2
The stacked metal container used to carry such a meal.
"She filled the tiffin with three different dishes for lunch."
How to use tiffin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA packed lunch, or the container it's carried in, especially in South Asian usage.
Common pairings
tiffin box
pack a tiffin
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Word forms
- Plural
- tiffins
- Third person singular
- tiffins
- Past tense
- tiffined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They packed a _____ of rice and curry for the train journey.
Etymology
From an old English word "tiffing," meaning taking a small drink or snack, used in British colonial India for the midday meal.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tiffin
See all rhymes for tiffin →Frequently asked questions
What does “tiffin” mean?
The word “tiffin” means a light midday meal, especially as the term is used in South Asia and parts of the former British Empire. In plain terms, a packed lunch, or the container it's carried in, especially in South Asian usage.
How do you pronounce “tiffin”?
“Tiffin” is pronounced TIHF-ihn (/ʈɪ.fɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “tiffin” in a sentence?
Here is “tiffin” used in a sentence: “They packed a tiffin of rice and curry for the train journey.”
What part of speech is “tiffin”?
“Tiffin” is a noun.
Where does the word “tiffin” come from?
The word “tiffin” comes from Old English. From an old English word "tiffing," meaning taking a small drink or snack, used in British colonial India for the midday meal.
How many meanings does “tiffin” have?
“Tiffin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a light midday meal, especially as the term is used in South Asia and parts of the former British Empire.
